Clinical Biochemistry of Hepatotoxicity

Liver plays a central role in the metabolism and excretion of xenobiotics which makes it highly susceptible to their adverse and toxic effects. Liver injury caused by various toxic chemicals or their reactive metabolites [hepatotoxicants) is known as hepatotoxicity. The present review describes the biotransformation of hepatotoxicants and various models used to study hepatotoxicity. It provides an overview of pathological and biochemical mechanism involved during hepatotoxicity together with alteration of clinical biochemistry during liver injury. The review has been supported by a list of important hepatotoxicants as well as common hepatoprotective herbs.